This book is a great use of true historical fiction. This is probably my favorite way to learn some history while enjoying the writing as a work of fiction. This is set in Mississippi in the Summer of 1964 during the Civil Rights Movement. A young, white man who is doing his internship as a pastor at a church located in Mississippi reunites with old friends from his childhood. In most areas this would be considered a plus for the location of a job. In the Deep South in the 1960’s, there is a battle between the emerging recognition of equal rights for Blacks and his friends are Black. They decide to protest together and lessons are tough and different based on race. This is a great reflection on the past and well written story with the right historical setting.
Definitely recommend.
#Torched #Netgalley #BlackRoseWriting

1964 - Mississippi

A timely and riveting book inspired by real people/events.

At a civil rights rally, Sam Ransom who is at his first pastoral appointment in Holmes County, Mississippi, is reunited with two childhood friends. Will their reunion be a happy one or one marred by tragedy? Meeting and spending time with friends is a wonderful thing, but this book is set during the Freedom Summer of 1964 and there is racism, the Klan, the fight for equality, danger, love, a sense of loyalty and duty.


This book is exceptionally written and provided to also be education for me. Inspired by true events, this book had me looking up more information on the Freedom Summer of 1964. There are parts that will be uncomfortable for some to read. Read them anyway.

Thought provoking, moving, and gripping.

Thank you to Black Rose Writing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mixing historical facts with a personal story is a much used tool in novel writing. If it's well done the reader will get a glimpse of the atmosphere of thee time the story is taking place.
Joe Edd Morris has done an excellent job describing Mississippi in 1964. He obviously knows what he's writing about and he creates real people. The atmosphere of fear is palpable, as is the attitude "one of them or one of us".

The story is believable, relatable and tragic and is delivered with excellent writing skills.

This was a great read. Set in Mississippi in the Summer of 64, it follows a white preacher in the south, reconnecting with his black childhood friends in a time where it could cost them their lives to be seen together. The author did a fantastic job of setting the scene with alot of attention to imagery. The story was heart breaking and thought provoking. Really enjoyed this book.

Torched is a novel about the Summer of '64 and the Civil Rights movement in Holmes County, Mississippi. It tells a story of Sam Ransom, a white pastor who has been sent back to his home town on intership during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. It is also a story of childhood friends seperated by race but joined in a fight against injustice.Unfortunately the road to justice and equality will not be easy and blood will be shed. Their reunion results in a tragedy and two murders. These events cause Sam Ransom a lifetime of guilt and urge him forward on a search for redemption.

Torched is a work of fiction but is at its core heart breakingly fact driven. This book could not have come at a better time then now. It is the "slap in the face" and "wake up call" of a book THAT WE NEED to read in light of recent events in US. This book isnt an easy light read, it will weigh heavily on your heart and mind long after you close its pages. But I urge anyone who gets the chance to read this novel to do so.

I recieved a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley im exchange for an honest review.

Torched is a novel about the Summer of 64 and the Civil Rights movement in Mississippi. Sam is a young white minister doing an internship in his childhood hometown. He reconnects with two close childhood friends, both of whom are black. He joins them in advocating for civil rights, very much against the wishes of most of his parishioners.

This is a work of fiction, but contains many facts about the civil rights movement. It is a story of love and friendship between Sam, Sharon, and Early, but also shows the ugliness of racism at that time, and the effects it had on everyone.

Anyone interested in the history of the civil rights movement should read this book.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley. My review is voluntary.